23 May 2024 4:10 PM +00:00 UTC

Best XDefiant TAC-50 Loadout and Build

A TAC-50 build placed on top of a screenshot of XDefiant gameplay in which two players are fighting in close range, one wielding a shield.

When it comes to snipers in XDefiant, the TAC-50 is far and away the most popular choice. While it can only load one shot at a time, the TAC-50 is deadly in the right hands as it is able to one-hit players to the chest and above. Thanks to the best XDefiant TAC-50 loadout, you can make this arguably overpowered sniper and make it much more agile than you’d expect from this heavy rifle.

Since the TAC-50 is such a heavy rifle, its clunkiness will turn many away before they’ve even leveled the weapon up. However, once you do and have access to more attachments to make a strong TAC-50 build, you’ll have one of the best XDefiant guns and best loadouts in the meta. Seriously, it’s so strong right now that it’s virtually impossible to stop a player who knows what they’re doing with it.

Best XDefiant TAC-50 Loadout

The best XDefiant TAC-50 build is:

Muzzle: Light Suppressor
Barrel: Lightweight Barrel
Optics: Variable Zoom Scope
Rear Grip: Quick Draw Grip
Stock: Padded Stock

Although you’d expect a sniper to be restricted to long-range shootouts, like Call of Duty, XDefiant’s snipers are intended to be turned into scrappy, versatile rifles using lightweight attachments. With this in mind, the goal of the best TAC-50 loadout in XDefiant is to improve ADS speed as much as possible so you can quick-scope your enemies before they can even blink. After all, the TAC-50 is a one-shot kill to the chest and above at any range.

The loadout screen showing a TAC-50 build in XDefiant, with all the equipped attachments.

The most important attachments for the TAC-50 are the Lightweight Barrel, Variable Zoom Scope, and Quick Draw Grip. The Lightweight Barrel improves ADS speed by a mouthwatering 15% and movement speed by 5% to massively amp up the handling of the weapon. The decrease in short and medium-range effectiveness is insignificant as the TAC-50 will still one-shot players to the chest and above. Meanwhile, Quick Draw boosts sprint-shoot time and ADS speed by 10% with a 15% knock to ADS stability, though when you’re quick-scoping, this isn’t all that noticeable, especially as the Padded Stock brings some of this control back.

A screenshot of XDefiant gameplay in which the player is aiming a TAC-50 sniper at an enemy player running down steps. — Hit a target in the chest or above with the TAC-50 and they'll drop in a single shot.

Hit a target in the chest or above with the TAC-50 and they'll drop in a single shot.

The scope is where things can get a little complicated. Since you have to have an optic, you’re looking for the one with the least drawbacks - the Variable Zoom. This only decreases ADS speed by 15% compared to the Sniper Scope and CQBSS which decreases this stat by 20%.

The last attachment slot is rather flexible. Personally, I find the Light Suppressor a good choice as it improves mini-map visibility range and duration. However, if you’re finding the TAC-50’s single-round chambering awkward and wishing you could fire faster, then the Quick Mag is the best choice for you. Quick Mag increases reload speed by 15%, letting you get your shots off much quicker. If you often miss shots or are simply taking on multiple enemies, this comes in handy.

A screenshot of the weapon stats page for a TAC-50 build in XDefiant, showing how various stats are influenced by the chosen attachments. — With the Quick Mag, you'll have an even faster reload speed.

With the Quick Mag, you'll have an even faster reload speed.

With the best TAC-50 loadout now ready to go, your ADS speed reduction stat will be a much better 562ms compared to the default 625ms. After extensively testing every attachment in the practice range, this is the fastest ADS speed you can get with the TAC-50. Having a significantly snappier sniper, especially one as deadly as the TAC-50, makes it a lot easier to use in close quarters. If you can land your shots consistently, you’ll be able to beat shotguns and SMGs at close range and assault rifles and marksman rifles at mid to long-range.

XDefiant TAC-50 Class Setup

Although the TAC-50 can handle anything thrown your way, at least if you have the aim to back it up, bringing a capable sidearm will still save your life in a pinch.

A screenshot of the class setup menu in XDefiant, showing a TAC-50 loadout, complete with a sidearm and throwable device.

Chances are, if you need to pull out your secondary weapon when using this TAC-50 loadout, then it’ll be a panicked skirmish at close range. Because of this, I recommend bringing the 93R. Equipped with the Muzzle Booster, Quick Mag, Reinforced Stock, Quick Draw Grip, and Reflex Sight, the 93R is the best close-range pistol right now.

Almost any of the throwable devices work well with the TAC-50, though the Sticky Grenade and Frag Grenade are standout choices. The Sticky has the best damage but a smaller blast radius, while the Frag can be less consistent but easier to use. However, don’t overlook the EMP. If shields are getting in the way, you can use the EMP to shut them down, which is much more powerful than it sounds, especially in objective-based modes.

As a word of warning, it’s more important than ever to think about which XDefiant Factions you pair with this TAC-50 loadout. While the Cleaners are a great option for almost every other weapon thanks to their passive burn damage, it’s not a good fit for snipers. Since the TAC-50 will one-shot players more often than not, you won’t get the benefit of this passive. Rather, the Libertad’s healing is a great way to turn the tides in your favor and Echelon’s stealth tools are perfect for flanking.

How to Unlock the TAC-50 in XDefiant

To unlock the TAC-50 in XDefiant, you have to get ten one-shot kills with sniper rifles. While it's a low number, this is a tricky challenge to complete if you're not comfortable with snipers, especially as the starting sniper, the M44, is less consistent when it comes to one-hit kills. I recommend finding a good spot to bunker down and watching over the area with your sniper at the ready. Obviously, aiming for the head or upper body is your best bet.

So, that’s all you need to know to make the best XDefiant TAC-50 loadout. Now all that’s left is to pick your favorite of the XDefiant classes and put it to the test in the various XDefiant maps or modes. If you still can’t get on with this heavy sniper, take a look at the XDefiant guns list and pick something more your style.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides , FPS , and XDefiant pages.

Rory Norris

Guides Editor

FPS Expert and Guides Professional

As our Guides Editor, Rory makes sure you’re never stumped in the latest and greatest games. If he’s not cooking up the best builds and loadouts, there’s a good chance he’s waxing poetic about Deep Rock Galactic instead.

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